“Make Something Awesome” is our motto here at The DIY Joint, namely because it is a succinct way to summarize our chief mission as a provider of woodworking courses in NYC and NJ. Located in Hoboken NJ, we were founded with a unique drive and aim by Priscilla Van Houten. Priscilla and the rest of our team have a drive for empowering people with the skills, tools, space, and confidence to tap into a deeper sense of self.
Upon going to just one woodworking class, you’ll begin to understand that there is something that some would call magical that happens when you use your hands the way our ancestors have for thousands of years. We are a tactile people, and the argument can be made that we have lost a core part of our identity, even in the last 30 years or so. But this post is not about the adverse physiological and mental side-effects of staring at a screen for 10 hours per day.
Instead, we choose to focus on a positive solution to a hole in our lives; the need to create something with our hands. Today’s article is dedicated to those still on the fence about trying out this new woodworking hobby. Maybe you don’t think you have the time, or perhaps you are concerned about walking into a new social environment without a buddy. Worse yet, you are afraid you will try, do your best, and ultimately fail. If you fall into any of those categories, we have good news for you. So read on.
Woodworking For Beginners
The thing about The DIY Joint is that it is a safe space for learning. A key element to learning is failing, as tough as that is to accept. When we say that, we don’t mean that we are going to throw you into the deep end, say “sink or swim!”, and call it good. Far from it. On the contrary, you will be stretched, inspired, and empowered to use new tools – even if they might be intimidating at first. We are with you every step of the way, and will provide as little (within reason) or as much training on individual processes and tools as you would like. We make a point to balance your development with what you are comfortable with. Because at the end of the day, mastering a new skill, or even entire craft, is something that makes you feel proud of yourself. We don’t think there are many better feelings than that.
Woodworking Courses
Our classes build on each other, so don’t worry, we don’t expect you to free form a beautiful mirror on the first day of class. Rather, we’ll start you off with an Introduction to Furniture Making, and then progress to plant stands, picture frames, open studio certification (so you can be free to make whatever you want, whenever you want!), upon finally creating more advanced woodworking projects. Keep in mind that we are there with you, and that each class is thoroughly designed. We have a pride and passion in our work, and would love to share that joy with you.
Woodworking And Mental Health Benefits
If you’ve been involved in carpentry and woodworking projects to any degree in the past, you may already understand the satisfaction that is implicit within planning and completing a joinery project. What you may not know is that such an exercise might have well been a therapy session of sorts.
You might be familiar with “art therapy” as a practice. Joinery can certainly fall under this category for some, by getting into touch with yourself in a tangible way. Making something from scratch, with precision and care, has a unique effect on the mind. The blend of creativity and structure affords each craftsperson with a dynamic, personalized experience. That’s just one of the reasons why we love doing what we do here at The DIY Joint.
Cool Gift Ideas
In addition to the reasons outlined above, taking a woodworking course from us opens up a world of cool gift ideas for friends and family. Instead of just buying someone a gift card to their favorite apparel store, specifically crafting something for someone you care about represents much more than the final product itself. And when the project is actually something you can be proud of and one that they can use, that’s just icing on the cake.
Woodworking Private Parties
We also offer gift cards and private party opportunities, which can be an amazing group birthday party activity. Between giving the gift of the opportunity to work with your hands and an actual woodworking piece that you’ve made, the perennial search for cool gift ideas has been solved once and for all. Or, at the very least, it’s been solved for one or two more holidays and birthdays.
Woodworking Beginners: What Are You Waiting For?
With the ability to start from scratch in a comfortable environment, the tools are in your hands, and the ball is in your court. Once you’ve built up a foundation of understanding and know-how, you’ll get to spread your wings with open studio time. Imagine being able to craft your own custom furniture. Imagine spending time with yourself in a productive, challenging, and rewarding way. You’ll have to excuse us if we sound a bit dramatic at times – we have a hard time containing our passion.
They say joy is a thing best shared, and that principle unquestionably applies to our joinery classes. You’ll be in the same boat with other beginners, with no pressure to do anything outside of what you are ready to take on. On a final note, we also offer woodworking classes for kids. Talk about a great opportunity to get your child in touch with a deeper side of themselves! And talk we will about that topic, but just not in today’s post.
If you are in New Jersey or West New York, we ask you to consider our services as a means to do much more than just kill time with a generic hobby. The only way to find out is to take that next step!